Flowers in the trees

How is it that I had to come to France to discover the catalpa tree? My identification site
tells me it grows all over the southern US.

The blossoms were there only briefly, but they're so beautiful.

Like little tiny orchids.

Up a tree

I always loved climbing trees when I was little. (Actually, I still do.)

One of the great gifts of going almost every day to the park without an agenda, without a plan, is that Isaac and Eleanor, all on their own, discovered that they love climbing trees too.

Lots of scuffed knees and heart-stopping moments for Mom, but sheer delight for the kids.

More tree love

I loved the 100 Species Challenge that swept (well, maybe it just burbled) through the home-schooling community a couple of years ago The challenge is to identify 100 plants growing within a mile of where you live. What a great way to engage with and get to know the natural world! And besides, I just like knowing the names of things.

But I'm not very good at it. I collect leaves and come home and look them up and discover I don't remember whether the leaves were opposite or alternate or whether the fruits hung singly or in pairs. I always intend to go back and answer my questions, but it seldom happens.

Which is why the park here is perfect for me.

The city provides free wi-fi all through the park. So I just bring along my laptop and identify in situ. I cannot tell you how satisfying this has been.

This, ladies and gentleman, is (I think) from a horse chestnut tree (which also grown in the parking lot behind our dormitory).

Voila!